THE AUSTRALIAN ROYALIST SOCIETY
“Australia... if one is to understand a great legal mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow views of politics! If you wish to become a complete and wise citizen, you must embrace... a larger view of the debate."
The Australian Royalist Society is an Australian not-for-profit organisation.
The Australian Royalist Society is an independent, apolitical civil society headquartered in Ipswich, Queensland. The Society is dedicated to the study, preservation and celebration of Australia’s royal and constitutional heritage.
Unlike a political campaign or advocacy organisation, the Society’s principal focus is the institutions, history and enduring legacy of the Australian Crown.
Through education, research, historical preservation, public engagement and commemoration, the Society seeks to strengthen public knowledge of Australia’s constitutional monarchy, its development throughout Australian history, and the role of its institutions in our national life.
The Society provides a home for Australians interested in the Crown and Australia’s royal heritage while encouraging informed, respectful and knowledge-based civic engagement. It is independent of political parties and candidates and does not exist to conduct electoral or partisan political campaigning.
Services We Offer
The Australian Royalist Society offers a range of professional, educational and commemorative services to individuals, families, businesses and community organisations.
As part of our commitment to preserving, studying and celebrating royal history, heritage and traditions, the Society provides the following services:
Royalist Research Enquiry Service – Written responses to enquiries concerning royal history, heritage, traditions and institutions.
Royalist Special Occasion Message – Personalised messages from the Society celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, achievements and other significant occasions.
Royalist Event Consultation – Guidance and assistance for royal-themed celebrations, historical commemorations and community events.
Royalist Newsletter Advertising – Advertising opportunities for businesses and organisations through The Royalist Weekly.
Royalist Guest Speaker – Educational presentations for schools, clubs, community groups and organisations exploring royal history, heritage and constitutional traditions.
Our services are available to both Society members and the wider public, reflecting our commitment to making royal heritage accessible, engaging and relevant to the Australian community.
What Does “Royalist” Mean?
For the purposes of the Australian Royalist Society, a Royalist is a person or institution that recognises, supports, studies, preserves or participates in Australia's Constitutional Monarchy, Royal and constitutional heritage, institutions and traditions.
The term does not require participation in political advocacy or campaigning, nor does membership of the Society imply endorsement of any political party, political movement or campaign.
Consistent with the Society's independent and apolitical character, Royalism within the Society encompasses educational, historical, cultural, constitutional, ceremonial and institutional engagement with the Australian Crown and Australia's Royal heritage.
Institutional Royalist membership does not require an institution to adopt a political position or participate in constitutional advocacy. It recognises an institutional connection with, or interest in, Australia's Constitutional Monarchy, Royal institutions, history, heritage and traditions and a willingness to engage with the Society's objects.
Institutional Membership does not constitute political affiliation and does not authorise either the organisation or the Society to speak for, represent or bind the other.
The Royal Prefix in Australia
The Australian Royalist Society has recently examined the history and contemporary status of the granting of the prefix “Royal” to organisations in Australia.
Queensland continues to maintain a formal procedure through which eligible organisations may seek permission to use the Royal prefix. The Queensland Government's published policy also records that, in 1983, the Commonwealth Government decided that it would not support applications from national organisations seeking the Royal prefix, and states that no such national applications have since been approved.
This presents an interesting aspect of Australia's modern Royal and constitutional history.
Australia possesses its own constitutional relationship with the Crown. His Majesty King Charles III is King of Australia, and the Australian Government formally recognises the Sovereign in that capacity.
The continued Queensland procedure is also noteworthy. Under the published process, a supported Queensland application may proceed through the Premier and Governor for consideration by the Sovereign, while the policy states that national organisations apply to the Governor-General.
The Australian Royalist Society is constitutionally independent and apolitical and does not undertake political campaigning or advocacy. Accordingly, the Society does not propose to campaign for any particular change in Commonwealth policy.
The Society has, however, drawn this historical and constitutional matter to the attention of established organisations involved in constitutional-monarchy advocacy for their independent consideration.
ARS will continue to study and promote understanding of Australia's Crown, constitutional institutions, Royal history and heritage.
For the King of Australia and the Realm.
Latest Updates!
The Society Store is Now Open
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Royalist Recruitment Drive 2026
The Royalist Recruitment Drive 2026 is now active!
From 01 September to 31 December 2026,
ALL membership fees are 30% OFF!
Want to become a member of the Society?
The Australian Royalist Society is Now Established
We are pleased to announce that the Australian Royalist Society is now formally established and open.
Operated by House Pelican Pty Ltd, the Society begins its work as an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to Australia's royal and constitutional heritage.
Our focus is educational and institutional: advancing public knowledge of the Australian Crown, preserving and celebrating our royal heritage and history, exploring the constitutional institutions that have shaped our nation, and providing a community for Australians with an interest in the monarchy and its enduring legacy.
This marks the beginning of the Society's development. Membership, educational initiatives, commemorative activities, research and opportunities to become involved will progressively open as the organisation grows.
The Australian Royalist Society is established. Our doors are open — and our work begins.
The King of Australia
Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth
Celebrating Our Royal Heritage
For more than two centuries, the Crown has formed an enduring part of Australia's constitutional, legal and national story. From the establishment of the first European settlement at Sydney Cove in 1788 to the development of a modern, independent Commonwealth, the institution of the Crown has provided continuity, stability and the framework within which Australia's democracy has evolved.
The Australian Royalist Society celebrates this shared heritage by promoting an informed understanding of the constitutional monarchy, the history of the Crown in Australia, and the service of those who have contributed to our nation under it. Through education, research, publications and community engagement, we seek to preserve and share this important part of Australia's story for present and future generations.
We believe that an appreciation of our constitutional heritage strengthens civic understanding, encourages informed public discussion, and honours the institutions that have helped shape Australia's free, democratic and stable society.
Our Royal Institutions
The ‘Royal’ prefix is an honorary title granted by the King (or Queen) of Australia to signify a direct link to the Australian Crown, usually to reflect patronage (support).
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Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth of Australia, and our Colonies which proceeded it, have always had a constitutional monarch.
From 1788 until 1953, our monarch was only known as the King (or Queen) of the United Kingdom, owing to our place in the British Empire.
However, as our nation has developed its independence, the monarch’s status as the King (or Queen) of Australia has become more distinct over time.
Since 1953, when the official title of the monarch was first changed to distinguish their status as our monarch, there have been two monarchs who have held/hold the title of King (or Queen) of Australia:
Queen Elizabeth II
King Charles III
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Formally known as His Majesty The King’s Flag for Australia.
The Royal Standard of Australia is used to indicate the monarch's presence in a building, vehicle or vessel in The Australian Realm.
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Known as God Save The King (when our sovereign is the King of Australia) or alternatively God Save The Queen (when our sovereign is the Queen of Australia).
The Royal Anthem was the official National Anthem of our Colonies and the Commonwealth of Australia from 1788 until 1974, when Advance Australia Fair replaced it as our new National Anthem.
Australia, in respect of Australia’s status as a Constitutional Monarchy, has maintained its former national anthem as our Royal Anthem.
The Royal Anthem is played whenever the King (or Queen) of Australia, or a member of our Royal Family, is present at an event in The Australian Realm.
However, there are no restrictions on singing or using the Royal Anthem at a community event, irrespective of any member of the Royal Family being present.
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The ‘Royal’ prefix is an honorary title granted by the King (or Queen) of Australia to signify a direct link to the Australian Crown.
The relationship formed with the ‘Royal ‘ title is determined by the organisations status.
Civil Organisations
Symbolic endorsement and prestige. It acts as a mark of excellence, stability, and public service.
Government and Military Institutions
Constitutional connection and institutional loyalty. It reinforces the link between the state and the Crown.
Our Sovereign
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The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of independent and equal countries, many of which share historical and constitutional connections arising from the former British Empire.
The King of Australia is the Head of the Commonwealth, a distinct and symbolic role that does not make His Majesty the Head of State of all Commonwealth member countries.
Australia is both a member of the Commonwealth and one of the Commonwealth realms in which King Charles III serves as Sovereign and Head of State.
Commonwealth Day is the annual global celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, held on the second Monday in March.
The Australian Royalist Society recognises the Commonwealth as an important part of the wider historical and contemporary context of Australia’s relationship with the Crown and other Commonwealth nations.
Our Place in the World
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An honorific title used by the King (or Queen) of Australia, and their consort.
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An honorific title used by the Viceroys of Australia.
The Viceroys of Australia are:
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Governor of New South Wales
Governor of Queensland
Governor of South Australia
Governor of Tasmania
Governor of Victoria
Governor of Western Australia
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An honorific title used by the Viceroys of Australian States, and Australian Members of Parliament.
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Grants the person the right to use the title of:
‘Sir’ - if the person is a male appointed as a Knight of the Order of Australia, or any other Imperial Honour bestowed upon him by the King (or Queen) of Australia; or
‘Dame’ - if the person is a female appointed as a Dame of the Order of Australia, or any other Imperial Honour bestowed upon him by the King (or Queen) of Australia.
However, these titles are very difficult for an Australian to be awarded as:
Knight/Dame of the Order of Australia is no longer awarded (abolished in 2015), and
Whilst Australians can still be granted Imperial Honours, the Australian Government no longer recommends awards of Imperial Honours.
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KC - King’s Counsel
QC - Queen’s Counsel
Styles & Titles
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Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Governor of New South Wales
Governor of Queensland
Governor of South Australia
Governor of Tasmania
Governor of Victoria
Governor of Western Australia
The Governor-General and the State Governors, known collectively as the Australian Viceroys, are the constitutional representatives of the King of Australia.
As His Majesty is resident in the United Kingdom, the former heart of the British Empire, our Viceroys act on his behalf to exercise constitutional authority and reserve powers.
As His Majesty is also the monarch of his other Realms and Territories, such as Canada, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Viceroyal positions, such as Governors-General and Governors, may also be found in his other Realms and Territories.
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Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Australian Academy of the Humanities
Australian Academy of Science
Australian Institute of Building
Australian Red Cross Society
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Australia
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
Institution of Engineers Australia
Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Scout Association of Australia
The University of Sydney
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Royal Society of New South Wales
Royal Society of Queensland
Royal Society of South Australia
Royal Society of Tasmania
Royal Society of Victoria
Royal Society of Western Australia
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Royal Anthropological Society of Australasia
Royal Art Society of New South Wales
Royal Australian Historical Society
Royal Caledonian Society of Melbourne
Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia
Royal Geographical Society of Australasia
Royal Geographical Society of Queensland
Royal Geographical Society of South Australia
Royal Historical Society of Queensland
Royal Historical Society of Victoria
Royal Horticultural Society of New South Wales
Royal Horticultural Society of Queensland
Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria
Royal Humane Society of Australasia
Royal Humane Society of New South Wales
Royal Life Saving Society Australia
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society
Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria
Royal Queensland Art Society
Royal Society for the Blind
Royal Society for the Welfare of Mothers and Babies
Royal South Australian Deaf Society
Royal South Australian Society of Arts
Royal South Street Society
Royal Western Australian Historical Society
Royal Zoological Society of South Australia
Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales
The Royal Commonwealth Society
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Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales
Royal Agricultural Society of the Northern Territory
Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland
Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia
Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria
Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia
Royal Geelong Agricultural & Pastoral Society
The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland
Royal National Agricultural & Pastoral Society of Tasmania
Royal National Capital Agricultural Society
Royal Norfolk Island Agricultural and Historical Society
These royal institutions operate the ‘Royal’ Shows in their respective State or Territory each year. Examples include:
Perth Royal Show
Royal Darwin Show
Royal Hobart Show
Royal Melbourne Show
Sydney Royal Easter Show
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Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
Australian Army
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
Royal Military College, Duntroon
The bases, ships and submarines of the Royal Australian Navy are commissioned as ‘His/Her Majesty’s Australian Ship/Submarine’, abbreviated as HMAS. Examples include:
HMAS Albatross
HMAS Cerberus
HMAS Brisbane
HMAS Penguin
HMAS Collins
The Australian Army does not carry the ‘Royal’ prefix, as by tradition inherited from our British heritage, it is the Army’s Corps and Regiments that are given the prefix. Examples include:
Royal Australian Infantry Corps
Royal Australian Engineers
Royal Australian Regiment
Royal New South Wales Regiment
Royal Victorian Regiment
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Royal Automobile Association of South Australia
Royal Automobile Club of Australia
Royal Automobile Club of Queensland
Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania
Royal Automobile Club of Victoria
Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia
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Prince Alfred College
Royal Brisbane Institute of Technology
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
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Royal Australian Institute of Architects
Royal United Services Institute of Australia
Royal United Services Institute of New South Wales
Royal United Services Institute of Queensland
Royal United Services Institute of South Australia
Royal United Services Institute of Tasmania
Royal United Services Institute of Victoria
Royal United Services Institute of Western Australia
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Royal Association of Justices of South Australia
Royal Association of Justices of Western Australia
Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices
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Royal Adelaide Hospital
Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Royal Children’s Hospital, Herston
Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne
Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne
Royal District Nursing Service of South Australia
Royal Darwin Hospital
Royal Far West Children's Health Scheme
Royal Hobart Hospital
Royal Hospital for Women (Sydney)
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
Royal Melbourne District Nursing Service
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Royal Newcastle Hospital
Royal North Shore Hospital (Sydney)
Royal Perth Hospital
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney
Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre
Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital
Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne
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Australian Medical Association
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Royal College of Nursing Australia
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne and Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Royal Guide Dogs for the Blind Association of Australia
Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens
Royal National Park, Sydney
Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd (also known as Dogs NSW)
Royal Randwick Racecourse
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
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Royal Aero Club of New South Wales
Royal Aero Club of Western Australia
Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia
Royal Newcastle Aero Club
Royal Queensland Aero Club
Royal Victorian Aero Club
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Royal Adelaide Golf Club
Royal Canberra Golf Club
Royal Fremantle Golf Club
Royal Hobart Golf Club
Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Royal Perth Golf Club
Royal Queensland Golf Club
Royal Sydney Golf Club
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Royal Brighton Yacht Club
Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
Royal Geelong Yacht Club
Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania
Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales
Royal Perth Yacht Club
Royal Port Pirie Yacht Club
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club
Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club
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Royal Melbourne Tennis Club
Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club
Royal Sydney Philatelic Club
Royal King's Park Tennis Club
Royal New South Wales Bowling Association
Royal Queensland Bowls Association
Royal South Australian Bowling Association
Royal Victorian Bowls Association
Royal Western Australian Bowling Association
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Royal Australian Mint
Royal Freemason's Benevolent Institution of New South Wales
Royal Freemason's Homes, Victori
Royal Humane Society of Australasia
Royal Humane Society of New South Wales
Royal Over-Seas League
Royal Queensland Bush Children's Health Scheme (also known as Bush Children's)
Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol
Institutions
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Prior to 1975 Australians were recognised through the British Imperial system.
Medals awarded to Australians included the Order of the British Empire, military decorations for gallantry, decorations for military service and campaign and long service medals.
By 1991 Australian honours and awards were available to recognise all service previously recognised through the British Imperial system.
The King (or Queen) of Australia can still recognise Australians through the British Imperial system.
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AK/AD - *Knight/Dame of the Order of Australia
AC - Companion of the Order of Australia
AO - Officer of the Order of Australia
AM - Member of the Order of Australia
OAM - Medal of the Order of Australia
*no longer awarded
Honours & Awards
Contact Us
We welcome enquiries from all who share an interest in Australia's constitutional monarchy and its royal institutions.
Whether you have a question, wish to become involved, are seeking educational resources, or would like to discuss partnership or media opportunities, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Please complete the contact form below or contact us via email, and we will respond as soon as practicable.